Monthly Archives: December 2013

Fiji tours are a different take when it comes to exploring the South Pacific. It is located further down the hemisphere, and it offers a beautiful range of beaches, mountains, and water forms most visitors never expect.

But while the sights of Fiji are already exhilarating, it is also worth knowing a few facts about the country before actually visiting it. So yes, when going on a tour of Fiji, here are some trivia bits that you may want to keep in mind:

The locals know how to speak in English.

While they have their own local language, the Fiji people know how to speak English. In fact, they are fluent in the language, as this is the medium of instruction they use in school. You can easily strike conversations with the locals during your stay in the country. This is actually a great thing as it helps you immerse with the local culture faster, and you don’t get lost in translation due to the language barrier.

The locals are also fond of talking about news and current events. They are into reading newspapers, watching news programs, and discussing these matters with their friends. You may want to know a thing or two about politics and other important matters if you are looking to build rapport with the locals you’re with.

The afternoons are very lazy.

Another unique feature that you can find in most Fiji tours is that the afternoons tend to be very boring and quiet. This is because the locals practice siestas after lunch, and they make it a point to take a nap during these hours. A lot of stores and establishments are also closed during these hours, so you really have to wait until around three to four o’clock for them to resume their operations.

Lots of beaches… at over 300 islands.

One of the wonders of Fiji is that it is made up of over 300 islands in its waters. This means that you have a lot of destinations to check out in Fiji tours, and you get to frolic in the beaches for most of your stay.

However, despite having more than 300 islands, only around 110 of these are inhabited. Regardless, you cannot just roam around all these islands in one visit, right?

Beer is a staple.

Fiji is known for its locally brewed beers. It is also common to find both locals and foreigners drink during the height of the afternoon-that is, when they are not taking a nap. You may want to get a bottle or two per day during your Fiji vacation, just so you get to understand what the local culture is about.

Learn to dive.

Aside from beaching, diving is an important outdoor activity in Fiji. When on a tour of Fiji, you may want to take advantage of the diving hotspots its shores offer. If you don’t know how to dive yet, then don’t worry; most diving services have lessons for beginners who want to feel how it’s like to explore the beauty underneath the sea.

Are you planning to travel to India anytime soon? Then this would be a very exciting adventure, as India never fails to give you surprises. You may have already been to the country once before, but you just can’t predict what your next visit has to offer. This is mainly because of the India’s rich culture that is heavily influenced by religion, tradition, and other beliefs.

But before actually packing your bags, perhaps you should take a note on some of the most important tips when going on an India travel. These include:

Explore the provinces

Sure, there are a lot to see in the main cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, but the stress of the urban jungle can easily drain your strength. Besides, India is a place where you have to let go of your worries and not gain more of them.

So yes, when going to India, better check out the provinces, such as those in Rishikesh, Karnataka, and Goa. These destinations also offer beautiful sites that represent the country’s culture, albeit in a rather soothing manner.

Traffic

Traffic jams are common in the country, wherever part you may be. You should then be tolerant when the locals you intend to work with arrive late, as they also have a different concept of time and appointments.

You should also have the patience with the traffic schemes in the country, as it is common for you to get stuck in a taxi for hours on the road. If you can, then you may want to use other transport alternatives, such as a train ride, or renting a bike or motorcycle.

One of the best things about Ecuador tours is that they are not as expensive as compared to other Latin American destinations. You can travel around the country with just a small budget, and even score on a good hotel at a fraction of your expected cost.

But how exactly should you manage your expenses when on a tour of Ecuador? Below are some tips:

Accommodation

If you are on vacation with your family or significant other, then you may want to set aside as much as $20 per night on room and board. Most decent hotels charge that rate, while local inns and lodging houses for backpackers offer lower rates.

If you want to feel the local culture in the country, then you can go spend the night at hospedajes, or family-run guesthouses. You get to dine with the owners of the house and see what life is like in the country too.

Transportation

Meanwhile, if you intend to do some DIY travel after your tour of Ecuador, then you should expect to pay for fares at around $1-2. On the other hand, provincial buses range up to $10 depending on the distance of your target destination.

Outdoor gimmicks

To travel to the Galapagos Islands can be expensive, so better make the most out of your stay in the islands when they are included in your itinerary. Aside from the island visit, you can also check out museums which cost around $6 for entrance fees. You can also go to theme parks such as Ingapirca and the Devil’s Nose Train at around $10-15.